2017 marked a big birthday for me—one that I'd been dreading for quite some time. Sure, I kept telling people, I know I'm young in the grand scheme of things. And yes, I'm happy with where I am in my life right now. BUT: do you ever think back to what you imagined your mid-twenties to be like when you were younger? Mid-twenties meant adulthood—pure, solid adulthood and a life of stability and assuredness.

I wanted to celebrate this new (and slightly daunting) milestone with the people who mean the most to me. Luckily, my best friend of over a decade also has a December birthday, so we teamed up to bring a group of our favorite people to the middle of nowhere on a weekend to celebrate. I hopped on Airbnb to find a place that could fit all of us somewhere between our two cities: NYC and D.C. We wanted something cozy and different—a break from the hustle and bustle we normally endure in the lead-up to Christmas. I have to brag a bit, because I really found the perfect place—complete with sheep in the backyard and a wood-burning stove inside. Oh and did I mention it snowed a glorious 6 inches one we'd arrived?

Isn't it perfect? Our Airbnb in Alburtis, Pennsylvania.

One of my favorite things was the ease at which we passed the time. We talked, we played games, we read and we generally appreciated getting the chance to see each other. We came from Chicago and NYC, Baltimore and D.C., friends from childhood, college and beyond.

We had a hygge weekend filled with laughs and relaxation, and I couldn't have asked for more. Despite feeling wary about my 'advancing age' (I know, roll your eyes, I deserve it), I felt supported and surrounded by those I love, which is the most wonderful feeling to start off another year with. Safe to say I don't have it all figured out: but I have a pretty good grasp on what's going on in my life.

May 25 be filled with more challenges, journeys, laughs and hopefully a few career milestones too. Thanks for sticking with me through it all!